Undergraduate Admissions

The Department of Landscape Architecture offers a professional accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree program that empowers students with knowledge and skills in Urban Ecological Design. Equipped with this design degree, graduates address varied design scales and issues of our environments through practice in firms, agencies and non-profit organizations. Learn more about landscape architecture here.

Interested in learning more about the BLA Program?

Come to a BLA Information Meeting at Gould Hall, and bring your questions! Also, you are welcome to observe the end-of-quarter studio presentations, where students present their design proposals for a particular place and context. Check our home page for dates on BLA Information Meetings and studio presentations.

What does the BLA program involve?

Application to the BLA program is a competitive process, and you prepare by taking both General Education courses and prerequisite courses. You apply in your second year of studies (at UW, community college, or other higher education institution), to begin the BLA program in your junior year. See the UW Student Guide page and click on the “Undergraduate” tab to read more about required coursework and prerequisites, as well as the application deadline.

If you are admitted, you will engage in theory, history, skills, related Directed Electives, and a sequence of seven studio courses. Advanced studios typically involve local communities, and the final year capstone is a design-build project.

You can undertake the BLA degree in seven or nine quarters. If you choose to complete the BLA in seven quarters, you would need to take a qualifying studio and Directed Elective(s) in Summer Quarter between the two academic years. If you choose to complete the BLA Program in nine quarters, you would not need to take Summer Quarter classes to fit in the required coursework, and you should have room in your schedule to undertake a Minor.

What do I submit to apply, and what should I consider?

Applications to the Department must include:

1. Completed Application for Admission to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Program
–download form as PDF version or Word version

2. One Official Transcript from each community college, college or university attended

3. Typed Statement of Objectives that includes educational experiences, community service, and business situations which may have helped you decide to become a landscape architect, and why you wish to pursue this career (1-2 pages)

Your portfolio is specific to your interests, abilities, and experiences that support your interest in landscape architecture. It should include examples of work demonstrating your creative capabilities, graphic proficiency, aesthetic and environmental sensitivity, and related endeavors or coursework you’ve undertaken. Exhibits may include products from crafts, artwork, photography, design studios, creative writing, musical compositions, or other pieces of work.

Portfolio work should be submitted as photographs or prints, with brief text explaining each exhibit. For work developed by a team of people, explain the team context and your contributions. Do not submit slides or cds/dvds.No original documents should be submitted – the Department will not be responsible for portfolio materials. Your portfolio must be no larger than 8 1/2″ x 11″.

Applications are evaluated by the BLA Admissions Committee with attention to:

Transfer and post-baccalaureate applicants must apply to the University of Washington Office of Admissions by the deadline set for admission for Autumn Quarter of the next academic year. NOTE: This deadline precedes the BLA Application Deadline; it is currently February 15. Please refer to the UW Office of Admissions.

All applicants to the BLA program, including transfer applicants, post-baccalaureate applicants, and students currently enrolled at the University of Washington, must submit their application for admission to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Program by 5:00 pm on the first day of Spring Quarter.

You may bring in or send by US Mail your complete application package to:

Applicants will be notified of the Admission’s Committee’s decision by the sixth week of Spring Quarter.

Portfolios with stamped envelopes will be returned four (4) weeks from notification of the Admissions Committee decision. You also can come and pick up your portfolio at the Department of Landscape Architecture office. Unclaimed portfolios will be retained for one calendar year.